Australia remains undefeated with victory over England

Australia has continued their unbeaten run at the Fast5 Netball World Series with a six-point win against England.

Both teams’ defences stood tall in a low scoring affair, with the host running out winners 26-20.

Despite having more of the chances, Australia were left to rue their opportunities as England shot accurately to take a one-point lead into the first break.

It was a more accurate shooting effort from the hosts in the second term, missing just one shot for the quarter as they wrestled back control of the match to lead 12-9 at half-time.

England defended defiantly to restrict Australia’s shooters in the home side’s power play, keeping them to just eight points courtesy of two goals from the two point range from Erin Bell and Caitlin Thwaites, as Australia took an eight-point lead into the final break.

The English went into the final term with confidence, but failed to break down Australia’s winning margin during their power play, according to English shooter Helen Housby.

“We felt after Australia’s power play that we really could have won that game. I think it’s a case of us just not taking our chances in our power play, that gifted them the win. We were a little bit disappointed that we didn’t hit some four pointers and maybe hit a six pointer in our power play but that’s how it goes,” said Housby.

Courtney Bruce was instrumental in defence for Australia in the final term, making a number of key interceptions and providing an outlet on attack, as they managed to hold off England in the power play.

Australian centre Paige Hadley paid tribute to Bruce and her defensive partner Jo Weston, both applying immense pressure for the home side.

“Jo (Weston) just eats and wears the goal attack down and Courtney (Bruce) really comes out for those specky intercepts, so she came up with one when we really needed it in the dying few minutes. So props to her she’s been doing amazing out there in the back.”

Australia will now head into their final pool game against South Africa while England will take on Jamaica.